Virginia Continues to Lead the Nation in Educating Military-Connected Students

For Immediate Release: October 27, 2025 Contact: [email protected] [email protected]

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children are recognizing 288 public and private schools across the Commonwealth as Purple Star Schools for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This year's honorees include 78 schools receiving the Purple Star designation for a second time and 92 schools earning the designation for a third time.

"Virginia continues to lead the nation in educating our military-connected students. Purple Star schools are more than just military-friendly; they are student-centered, resilient, and deeply committed to removing barriers to success, in alignment with the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Their work ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. "Their dedication reflects the very best of Virginia's public education system and our shared belief that every student deserves a strong start and a bright future."

The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students through programs, staff training, and community engagement. Schools retain the designation for three years before reapplying.

Virginia is home to several of the nation's largest military installations and currently serves more than 77,000 school-age military-connected students in public schools. This number does not include children of veterans attending public or private schools, who also deserve recognition and support.

"Virginia's recognition as a national leader in supporting military-connected students reflects our deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who serve - and for their families who serve alongside them. The Purple Star Schools embody the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring that every military child receives stability, opportunity, and excellence in education. Their continued success underscores the strength of our partnerships between schools, communities, and military installations across Virginia," said Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Craig Crenshaw.

Since the program's launch in 2018, VDOE and the Council have awarded 1,083 Purple Star designations, with 593 schools maintaining active status. Of these schools, 298 have earned the award twice, and 132 schools have earned it three times. In addition, Hampton City Public Schools, Isle of Wight County Public Schools, and Portsmouth City Public Schools have achieved Purple Star division status. To reach and maintain Purple Star division status, all schools in the school division must have an active Purple Star School Designation. Chesapeake City Public Schools, Stafford County Public Schools, and York County Public Schools are once again maintaining their Purple Star School division statuses.

"We are honored that Hampton City Schools has been designated as a Purple Star School division," said Superintendent of Hampton City Schools, Dr. Raymond Haynes. "This recognition reflects our deep commitment to the military-connected students and families who are such an important part of our community. With Hampton being the home of Joint Base Langley-Eustis and other installations in close proximity, our military partnerships truly strengthen who we are as a division. This honor also speaks to our collective effort to live by our mantra-One Community, One Transformation: Excellence with Intentionality. Together, we are building a culture of care, connection, and excellence for every student."

"Spotsylvania County Public Schools is proud to receive the VDOE's Purple Star designation, which honors our commitment to serving the unique needs of military-connected students and their families," said Superintendent of Spotsylvania County Public Schools, Dr. Clint Mitchell. "We recognize the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of our military community and are dedicated to ensuring that every child feels welcomed, supported, and positioned for success in our school division."

"The Purple Star recognition ensures that schools and divisions surrounding Marine Corps Base Quantico can help manage the challenges military-connected children face when they move between schools with different cultures, curricula, standards, course offering, schedules, and graduation requirements," said Marine Corps Base Quantico, National Capital Region School Liaison Penny Rowley. "When a school or division has received this great honor, it gives our military community a sense of comfort knowing their children will be taken care of and supported while stationed in the area."

"The Purple Star Award has heightened awareness of our support for military families. With the guidance of our School Liaisons from the Marine Corp Base Quantico, we are more prepared than ever to WELCOME new families to their new community and new schools," said Fredericksburg City Public Schools Division Community Liaison Sandy Gillenwater.

The 2025-26 Virginia public and private schools that have earned a Purple Star award are as follows, by division. Those with two asterisks (**) are receiving their second Purple Star award, and those with three asterisks (***) are receiving their third award.

Arlington County Public Schools

• Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School
• Hoffman Boston Elementary School **
• Kenmore Middle School **
• Swanson Middle School **
• Wakefield High School

Chesapeake County Public Schools - Maintaining Purple Star School Division Status

• Crestwood Middle School ***
• Great Bridge High School ***
• Great Bridge Middle School ***
• Greenbrier Intermediate School ***
• Greenbrier Middle School ***
• Hickory Elementary School ***
• Hugo Owens Middle School ***
• Indian River Middle School ***
• Jolliff Middle School ***
• Norfolk Highlands Primary School **
• Oscar Smith Middle School ***
• Western Branch Middle School ***

Chesterfield County Public Schools

• Hopkins Elementary School ***

Fairfax County Public Schools

• Aldrin Elementary School
• Annandale High School
• Bailey's Elementary School
• Beech Tree Elementary School
• Braddock Elementary School
• Brookfield Elementary School
• Bull Run Elementary School
• Camelot Elementary School
• Cardinal Forest Elementary School **
• Carl Sandburg Middle School ***
• Carter G. Woodson High School ***
• Centre Ridge Elementary School
• Churchill Road Elementary School
• Clearview Elementary School
• Colin Powell Elementary School ***
• Colvin Run Elementary
• Crestwood Elementary School
• Cub Run Elementary School **
• Cunningham Park Elementary School
• Dogwood Elementary
• Eagle View Elementary
• Fairfax County Adult High School
• Fairfax Villa Elementary School
• Fairhill Elementary School ***
• Falls Church High School
• Forestville Elementary School
• Fort Hunt Elementary School ***
• Franconia Elementary School ***
• Franklin Sherman Elementary School
• Freedom Hill Elementary School
• Frost Middle School **
• Garfield Elementary School
• Graham Road Elementary School
• Greenbriar East Elementary School
• Greenbriar West Elementary School
• Groveton Elementary School
• Gunston Elementary School **
• Hayfield Elementary School ***
• Hayfield Secondary School ***
• Herndon High School
• Herndon Middle School
• Hunters Woods Elementary School
• James W. Robinson Secondary School **
• Kent Gardens Elementary School **
• Key Center School ***
• Key Middle School
• Kings Glen Elementary School **
• Lake Anne Elementary School
• Lane Elementary School ***
• Langley High School
• Langston Hughes Middle School
• Laurel Hill Elementary
• Laurel Ridge Elementary School ***
• Lees Corner Elementary School
• Longfellow Middle School ***
• Mantua Elementary School
• Mark Twain Middle School **
• Marshall Road Elementary School
• Mason Crest Elementary School
• Mosaic Elementary School **
• Mount Vernon High School ***
• Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
• Navy Elementary School
• North Springfield Elementary School ***
• Oak Hill Elementary School
• Oakton Elementary School
• Orange Hunt Elementary School ***
• Parklawn Elementary School
• Rachel Carson Middle School
• Rocky Run Middle School ***
• Saratoga Elementary School ***
• Silverbrook Elementary School **
• South Lakes High School
• Springfield Estates Elementary School **
• Stenwood Elementary School **
• Stratford Landing Elementary School ***
• Sunrise Valley Elementary ***
• Terra Centre Elementary School **
• Thomas Edison High School **
• Virginia Run Elementary
• Walt Whitman Middle School ***
• Washington Irving Middle School **
• Washington Mill Elementary School ***
• West Potomac High School **
• West Springfield High School **
• Westlawn Elementary School
• Wolftrap Elementary School
• Woodlawn Elementary School **
• Woodley Hills Elementary School ***

Fredericksburg City Public Schools

• Hugh Mercer Elementary School **
• Lafayette Elementary School **
• Walker-Grant Middle School **

Gloucester County Public Schools

• Bethel Elementary School **
• Botetourt Elementary School **
• Gloucester High School ***
• Peasley Middle School **

Hampton City Public Schools - Achievement of Purple Star Division Status

• A.W.E. Bassette Elementary
• Aberdeen Elementary School
• Albert W. Patrick III Elementary
• Alfred S. Forrest Elementary School
• Armstrong School for the Arts **
• Bethel High School
• Burbank Elementary **
• C. Alton Lindsay Middle School
• Eaton Middle School
• Francis Asbury Elementary
• Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School **
• Hampton High School
• Jane H. Bryan Elementary School
• Kecoughtan High School **
• Kraft Elementary School
• Mary S. Peake Elementary
• Mary T. Christian Elementary
• Mary W. Jackson Fundamental Elementary
• Moton Early Childhood Center
• Phillips Elementary School

Hanover County Public Schools

• Patrick Henry High School ***

Isle of Wight County Public Schools - Achievement of Purple Star Division Status

• Carrollton Elementary School
• Georgie D. Tyler Middle School
• Hardy Elementary School
• Smithfield High School
• Smithfield Middle School
• Westside Elementary School
• Windsor Elementary School
• Windsor High School

Loudoun County Public Schools

• Ashburn Elementary School
• Belmont Ridge Middle School **
• Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School
• John Champe High School
• Lightridge High School
• Madison's Trust Elementary School **
• Seneca Ridge Middle School
• Stone Hill Middle School **
• The Loudoun County Public Schools Recovery Academy
• Trailside Middle School ***
• Watson Mountain Middle School
• Willard Middle School **

Louisa County Public Schools

• Louisa County High School

New Kent County Public Schools

• New Kent High School
• New Kent Middle School

Newport News City Public Schools

• Ella Fitzgerald Middle School
• Katherine G. Johnson Elementary **

Norfolk City Public Schools

• Academy at Rosemont
• Academy for Discovery at Lakewood ***
• Camp Allen Elementary School ***
• Granby High School **
• Larchmont Elementary School ***
• Mary Calcott Elementary School ***
• Northside Middle School **
• Norview Elementary School
• Norview High School ***
• Sewells Point Elementary **
• Willoughby Early Childhood Center ***

Portsmouth City Public Schools - Achievement of Purple Star Division Status

• Churchland Elementary School **
• Churchland Middle School **
• Hodges Manor Elementary
• Lakeview Elementary
• Simonsdale Elementary
• Victory Elementary School ***
• Westhaven Elementary

Prince George County Public Schools

• L. L. Beazley Elementary School ***
• North Elementary School ***
• Prince George High School
• South Elementary School **

Prince William County Public Schools

• Battlefield High School **
• Bennett Elementary School **
• Benton Middle School ***
• Buckland Mills Elementary School
• Bull Run Middle School **
• Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School **
• Forest Park High School **
• Henderson Elementary School **
• Leesylvania Elementary School
• Piney Branch Elementary School **
• Potomac Shores Middle School**
• Rippon Middle School
• Springwoods Elementary School ***
• T. Clay Wood Elementary School **
• Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
• Victory Elementary School
• Westridge Elementary School **
• Woodbridge Senior High School ***

Spotsylvania County Public Schools

• Brock Road Elementary School **
• Chancellor Middle School
• Courthouse Road Elementary School
• Courtland Elementary School
• Lee Hill Elementary School **
• Riverbend High School
• Salem Elementary School
• Spotsylvania Middle School
• Thornburg Middle School
• Wilderness Elementary School ***

Stafford County Public Schools - Maintaining Purple Star School Division Status

• Margaret Brent Elementary School **
• North Stafford High School ***
• Rockhill Elementary School ***
• Widewater Elementary School ***
• Winding Creek Elementary School ***

Suffolk County Public Schools

• Creekside Elementary School
• King's Fork High School
• Lakeland High School

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

• Alanton Elementary School ***
• Bayside Elementary ***
• Bayside Middle School ***
• Brookwood Elementary School ***
• Christopher Farms Elementary School ***
• Creeds Elementary School **
• Fairfield Elementary School **
• Glenwood Elementary School **
• Green Run High School ***
• Green Run Collegiate ***
• Holland Elementary School **
• Independence Middle School ***
• Kempsville Elementary School **
• Kempsville Meadows Elementary School **
• Kempsville Middle School ***
• King's Grant Elementary School ***
• Landstown Elementary School ***
• Landstown High School ***
• Luxford Elementary School ***
• Lynnhaven Middle School ***
• Ocean Lakes Elementary School ***
• Ocean Lakes High School ***
• Old Donation School ***
• Pembroke Meadows Elementary School ***
• Plaza Middle School ***
• Point O'View Elementary
• Princess Anne Middle School ***
• Providence Elementary ***
• Red Mill Elementary School ***
• Rosemont Forest Elementary School ***
• Salem High School ***
• Salem Middle School ***
• Strawbridge Elementary School ***
• Tallwood High School ***
• Thalia Elementary School ***
• Thoroughgood Elementary School ***
• Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center ***

Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools

• Berkeley Middle School
• Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School
• J. Blaine Blayton Elementary **
• James Blair Middle School
• Lois S. Hornsby Middle School **
• Stonehouse Elementary
• Warhill High School **

York County Public Schools - Maintaining Purple Star School Division Status

• Bethel Manor Elementary School **
• Grafton Middle School ***
• Mt. Vernon Elementary School **
• Queens Lake Middle School **
• Seaford Elementary School **
• Tabb Elementary School ***
• Waller Mill Elementary Fine Arts Magnet ***
• York High School **
• York River Academy **
• Yorktown Elementary School ***
• Yorktown Middle School ***

Virginia Private Schools

• Browne Academy ***
• Chesapeake Bay Academy **
• Holy Spirit Catholic School
• Nansemond Suffolk Academy
• Norfolk Christian Schools
• Our Lady of Hope Catholic School
• Peninsula Catholic High School ***
• Portsmouth Catholic Regional School **
• Saint Bernadette Catholic School **
• Saint John the Apostle Catholic School **
• Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School ***
• St. Francis of Assisi School ***
• St. Pius X Catholic School **
• St. Thomas More Cathedral School **
• Williamsburg Christian Academy
  
  

The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact was established in 2009 to ensure the successful implementation of the Compact, which aims to remove educational barriers for children of military families. Virginia was the second state to adopt the Purple Star program, following Ohio. Today, 48 states have implemented the initiative.

"As we developed the original framework of this "PreK12-MIL" initiative in the Buckeye State during the School Years 2015-2017, we presumed this special initiative was just for us. But thanks to our great education and military colleagues like Dan Dunham, of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as the home to the highest enrollment of active duty-connected military students, who directly support this sacred and shared mission, we here in America became a Purple Star nation," said Ohio State Commissioner for the Military Interstate Children's Compact Pete LuPiba. "Some 45 Purple Star states now host more than 10,000 Purple Star schools, all because Ohio and Virginia led first. And now as we continue our collaboration, labor, and partnership within this grand coalition of the willing - the needle is moving, and the ink is all purple. The United States Armed Forces-connected child, from Active Duty to Reserve Duty to National Guard to veteran and sibling status, will always be our mutually honored focus. Thanks to our "MIL Kids" serving too and leading all the way by bearing true faith and allegiance."

For more information about Virginia's Purple Star Schools, visit the VDOE website.